Epperly, Murchison lead way for CAK, 34-6

CAK quarterback Quinn Epperly steps into the pocket as Kingston's Darrian Sams (24) closes in on him in the first quarter.

Christian Academy of Knoxville faced Kingston in October and handed the Yellowjackets a loss in regular-season play.

Kingston made the road trip to Knoxville again for a first-round, Class 3A playoff game Friday night and nothing changed.

CAK beat the Yellowjackets 34-6 and now will face Polk County in the second round.

"At this point it's about winning and moving on," said CAK coach Rusty Bradley. "It's not about style points or shutouts. It's about winning and moving on."

CAK (10-1) got things going late in the first quarter when senior quarterback Quinn Epperly hit Franklin Murchison in double coverage in the right side of the end zone to cap off the eight-play, 68-yard drive. Freshman John Broyles' PAT attempt was low and the Warriors led 6-0.

CAK added to its lead when senior back Carson Pegram pushed up the middle for 8 yards on a second-and-goal at the 11:29 mark of the second quarter. Broyles' second PAT of the night was good and the Warriors held a 13-0 lead.

Kingston (6-5) threatened to score later in the second quarter on a fourth-and-1 at the CAK 3-yard line. Coty Groves attempted to rush but was stopped at the 2 by CAK's Clay Powers and Jacob Duncan.

"There's no way to end a season except to win it all," said Kingston coach Vic King. "We fought hard in the first half but let it get away from us in the second half. They've got a good football team and they throw the ball really well and we didn't cover like we should have."

The Yellowjackets put together a solid drive toward the end of the second quarter as they ran 13 plays after starting on their own 3.

But Darrin Mossing was sacked by CAK defensive end Shawn Walker for a 14-yard loss with 32 seconds left in the half.

CAK blew the game open in the second half. Epperly hit Murchison - who outjumped two Kingston defenders to haul in the pass - for a 36-yard strike in the end zone. Broyles' PAT was good and CAK extended its lead to 20-0.

On their next possession, the Warriors' Epperly hit Murchison and the receiver scampered down the left sideline for a 35-yard gain and was pushed out of bounds at the 6.

Three plays later, Pegram rumbled up the middle for an 8-yard touchdown. Broyles' PAT was good and the score stood at 27-0.

Murchison finished with 119 receiving yards on five catches.

Pegram added another touchdown with 38 seconds to go in the third with an 8-yard rush. Broyles' PAT was good and the scoreboard read 34-0.

"We moved the ball really well but had some untimely turnovers," Bradley said. "We executed well except for the turnovers."

Bradley said his players needed to look past the first-round win and focus on the next game.

"Polk County is a very talented team," Bradley said. "They're going to be very physical. We've got to come out ready to play."

Kingston's lone score of the night came with 4:22 to go in the game when Groves ran for an 8-yard score.

CAK ran up 453 yards of total offense, including 290 through the air by Epperly.

Epperly went 20-for-30 with three interceptions and contributed 82 yards on the ground on six carries.